How do you know if you have an eating disorder?

[Anonymous]

What are the tell tale signs? Do I go see a psychiatrist or some type of specialist to find out?

[Anonymous]

Different types of eating disorders have different symptoms, but each condition involves an extreme focus on issues related to food and eating, and some involve an extreme focus on weight.

dramatic weight loss
concern about eating in public
preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, or dieting
complaints of constipation, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, lethargy, or excess energy
excuses to avoid mealtime
intense fear of weight gain or being “fat”
dressing in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm
severely limiting and restricting the amount and types of food consumed
refusing to eat certain foods
denying feeling hungry
expressing a need to “burn off” calories
repeatedly weighing oneself
patterns of binge eating and purging
developing rituals around food
excessively exercising
cooking meals for others without eating
missing menstrual periods (in people who would typically menstruate)

Physical signs may include.

stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms
difficulty concentrating
atypical lab test results (anemia, low thyroid levels, low hormone levels, low potassium, low blood cell counts, slow heart rate)
dizziness
fainting
feeling cold all the time
sleep irregularities
menstrual irregularities
calluses across the tops of the finger joints (a sign of inducing vomiting)
dry skin
dry, thin nails
thinning hair
muscle weakness
poor wound healing
poor immune system function

[Asker]

Thank you, that list is very informative. I think I do have an eating disorder. What type of doctor or specialist can I go to for help?

[Opinion Owner]

Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Dietitians
Nutritionists

[Asker]

Thank you very much. I will look into seeing someone!